Female detective leads BBC to Botswana

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is the first in Alexander McCall Smith’s bestselling series of novels following the adventures of female detective Precious Ramotswe. In March, some ten years after the novel’s release, the BBC is launching the televised serial; the first ever to be filmed entirely in Botswana.

Determined to make the world a better place by solving local mysteries, the book’s protagonist Mma Ramotswe is the first woman in Botswana to become a private detective. Solving local crimes around Gaborone, and occasionally joining farther flung adventures, Ramotswe provides warm observations about Bostwana, showing a pride in her homeland and giving insight into its culture and traditions.

Her passion for Botswana is a direct projection of the author’s own feelings. On his website, McCall Smith speaks of his love for the country: “I find Botswana a very interesting and admirable country. I respect the people who live there – they have built up their country very carefully and successfully. I admire their patience and their decency”. He continues to visit Botswana every year.

Alexander McCall Smith’s latest book in the Botswana series, The Miracle at Speedy Motors, will also be released in March.

For those wishing to discover the delights of Botswana themselves, Cox & Kings’ six-night Great Botswana Safari private journey takes in some of the greatest wildlife areas in Africa.

The itinerary includes Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge concentration of elephants, and for its predators, particularly its resident lions and spotted hyena populations, and the exceptionally beautiful Okavango Delta. Great Botswana Safari costs from £2,725 per person, including flights with British Airways, six nights' full board accommodation, private transfers and all excursions and game viewing.

For further information visit Coxandkings.co.uk.